Bognor Pirates can't take the loot against Portsmouth Smugglers

Rich Lowe scored the first basket of the game for Bognor. He was to end with a game-high 27 points.

Bognor used their height advantage to get the ball into the post and Lowe showed he was a force to be reckoned with, getting offensive and defensive rebounds.

It was an open quarter which ended 18-15 to Portsmouth.

The second quarter started with a flurry of three pointers at both ends. Matt Robbins hit two in two minutes while player coach Stuart Hardyman smashed a three-pointer for Bognor, who took the lead for the first time.

But this did not last long with Portsmouth going on a run and hitting outside shots to extend their lead to 45-38 at the halfway point.

The third quarter started with both teams playing hard defence.

Portsmouth were still hitting their outside shots and Bognor tried to change their zone defence to stop them.

On the offensive end, Lowe dominated the zone and hit some tough inside shots to keep Bognor in with a chance. Robbins also took his defender on with some hard lay-ups to the hole. The quarter ended 65–52 to Portsmouth.

In the final quarter, with only seven players, Bognor’s energy level decreased and Portsmouth found gaps in their defence. They also scored four three-pointers in a row to extend their league.

Guy Pridie used his height to score some great inside plays but this was not enough to get Bognor back in the game.

Pirates must now focus on the National League games and will be searching for that win this Saturday November when they host Hackney White Heat at The Arena Sports Centre (7pm). All support welcome.

PIRATES Scorers: R Lowe 27, M Robbins 19, G Pridie 14, S Hardyman 3, M Wakeling 3, G Roythorne 2, K Wilson 1.